Fewer motorists die after I-385 trees cut down, report shows

8:38 PM,
Dec. 20, 2013

Vehicles travel along Interstate 385 on Thursday, December 19, 2013. Fewer motorists are crashing into trees and dying along a stretch of Interstate 385 in Laurens County since several trees were removed during a widening project in 2010, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

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COLUMBIA - Fewer drivers are crashing into trees and dying along a stretch of Interstate 385 in Laurens County since several trees were removed during a widening project in 2010, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

As a part of the project, the clear zone was increased to meet the current national guidance.

A clear zone is the unobstructed area beyond the edge of the traveled way that allows a driver to stop safely or regain control of a vehicle that leaves the traveled way. Clear zone values are based on many factors including: vehicle speeds, vehicle ...